Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
